Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-20-2020

Publication Title

Cureus

Volume

12

Issue

7

First page number:

1

Last page number:

6

Abstract

Exogenous lipoid pneumonia is a rare and frequently misdiagnosed lung disease. It occurs as an inflammatory reaction secondary to either aspiration or inhalation of lipids. Our patient had a history significant for recurrent pneumonia and the use of mineral oil for chronic constipation. A chest computed tomography showed multifocal consolidative opacities with areas of low attenuation, highly suspicious of exogenous lipid pneumonia. The diagnosis was confirmed with combined bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy that showed lipid-laden macrophages consistent with exogenous lipoid pneumonia. After thorough medication review, apart from mineral oil, no other contributing factors were found. A diagnosis of exogenous lipoid pneumonia associated with the use of mineral oil made and successfully managed by stopping the offending agent and supportive antibiotics.

Keywords

Lipoid pneumonia; Mineral oil; Constipation; Bal lavage; Macrophages

Disciplines

Lipids | Pulmonology | Respiratory System | Respiratory Tract Diseases

File Format

pdf

File Size

698 KB

Language

English

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

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